Theatre, PhD
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre
A comprehensive oral and written examination; an oral or written special-field examination; and defense of the dissertation before a committee of the graduate faculty is required. The program can be completed in two to three years beyond the master's degree.
Admission
Candidates should apply to one of the ten graduate areas offered: Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with specialization in acting, costume design, costume technology, lighting design, scenic design, sound design and technology, stage management, or scenic technology; the Master of Arts in Theatre with specialization in theatre and performance research and dramaturgy; or the Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre with specialization in theatre and performance research. All applicants should present transcripts documenting undergraduate or graduate study of theatre practice, dramatic literature, and theatre history with a cumulative grade point average in these subjects of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). Applicants whose first language is not English must submit recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores; the current minimum score for consideration is 550 on the paper-based test (213 on the computer-based version).
Candidates for the M.F.A. degree must demonstrate talent in theatrical performance or production by audition or by the presentation of a portfolio of their work to an admissions committee of the faculty, either on campus or at one of the regional University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) audition sites. M.F.A. candidates are admitted in the fall term only. The M.F.A. acting program accepts applications only every three years; the next academic years in which applications will be accepted are 2024-25 for Fall 2025 admission.
Master’s and doctoral candidates should present records of at least a 3.0 grade point average in all subjects studied at the undergraduate and graduate levels, supply samples of their scholarly writing, and submitting recent Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is recommended. In addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores required of all foreign students, master’s and doctoral candidates whose first language is not English are encouraged to submit scores of the Test of Written English (TWE). Ph.D. candidates should hold a master’s degree in theatre or in a related field. Master’s and doctoral candidates are normally admitted in the fall term.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre
A comprehensive oral and written examination; an oral or written special-field examination; and defense of the dissertation before a committee of the graduate faculty is required. The program can be completed in two to three years beyond the master's degree.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 500-level theatre seminar | 16 | |
| Language Requirement: a reading knowledge of one foreign language | ||
| Elective hours | 32 | |
| THEA 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 32 |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Masters Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | Yes |
| Qualifying Exam Required | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre
- Students will engage the critical and aesthetic aspects of theatrical performance in a variety of historical periods and global contexts.
- Students will develop projects within their own areas of specialization, drawing on dramatic literature and criticism, theatre history, performance theory, and performance research methods.
- Students will combine theory and practice in the study and production of theatrical performance.
- Students will be prepared to offer courses in theatre history, research methods, dramaturgy, and their areas of specialization.
- Students will be prepared to participate in disciplinary debates through professional academic engagement and performance, including conference papers, book reviews, grant proposals, and creative research projects.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre
Theatre Department
Department Head: Valleri Robinson
Director of Graduate Studies: Jeffrey Eric Jenkins
Theatre Department website
Theatre Department faculty
4-122 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2371
Theatre email
College of Fine & Applied Arts
College of Fine & Applied Arts website
Admissions
Grad College Admissions & Requirements